Lagos — Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, yesterday, justified the proposed introduction of Chinese language in public schools, saying one of the advantages is aimed at boosting the state economy.

The governor who made the disclosure during the commemoration of his 2000 Days in office in Ikeja believed the state government needed to move fast in line with the global challenge and more important, China is an economic world power.

He said: "The Chinese are in our homes more than we care to admit. China has become our largest economic partner."

Fashola recalled an instance where there was a need to have an interpreter while a contractual agreement was to be signed between the state government and a Chinese contractor, adding that it was a Chinese who understood English that came to their rescue.

Fashola explained that as the world economy is tilting in favour of China, the trend might eventually affect the English. "Don't be surprised English may go if the global power moves to Asia."

While commenting on the traffic law, the Governor acknowledged reduction in crime rate, saying that the law has improved the safety on the roads. "The reported case of crime has dropped from 60 per cent in September to 30 at the end of October," he said.

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